Handlova: Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, faced a life-threatening situation on Wednesday following an assassination attempt that shocked European leaders. The incident unfolded dramatically in central Slovakia, captured in footage showing security agents swiftly evacuating the wounded Fico into a waiting car as police apprehended a suspect at the scene in Handlova.
Outgoing Slovak President Zuzana Caputova expressed shock at the “terrible and heinous attack”, confirming Fico had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, as reported on his official Facebook page. Transported to the hospital in critical condition, Fico’s condition remained precarious.
Images broadcast by public television RTVS depicted Fico being rushed from a helicopter into a hospital, where he underwent treatment at the vascular surgery clinic, according to hospital director Marta Eckhardtova. However, details regarding his injuries remained undisclosed.
Also Read | Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Critical Condition After Assassination Attempt
Reports indicated Fico was still undergoing surgery, heightening the tension surrounding the situation. A seasoned political figure, Fico leads the Smer-SD party and has served as prime minister on four occasions. His leadership has been contentious, marked by allegations of favoring Kremlin interests in Slovakia’s foreign policy.
While media speculation pointed to a 71-year-old writer as the suspected gunman, police refrained from confirming any suspects. Statements from the alleged shooter’s son conveyed bewilderment, underlining the unprecedented nature of the attack on a Slovak prime minister.
Political analyst Grigorij Meseznikov noted the rarity of such assaults in Slovak history, citing a previous incident in 1999 involving a former minister of economy. The condemnation of the attack reverberated internationally, with Slovak president-elect Peter Pellegrini labeling it a threat to democracy and eliciting responses from EU and NATO leaders, as well as Ukrainian and Russian presidents.
Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the shooting as a ‘heinous crime’ and expressed hope for the swift recovery of Prime Minister Fico. “I know Robert Fico to be a courageous and strong-spirited man. I very much hope that these qualities will help him to withstand this difficult situation,” Putin said in a statement released by the Kremlin.
Putin’s remarks carried a personal tone, acknowledging Fico’s resilience in the face of adversity. Fico’s tenure has been marked by strained relations with Ukraine, characterized by his skepticism towards Ukrainian sovereignty and advocacy for rapprochement with Russia.
Amidst controversy over policy shifts and legislative changes, including amendments to media laws, Fico’s supporters lashed out against critics, attributing the attack to political animosity. MP Lubos Blaha condemned the “liberal media” and progressive politicians, holding them responsible for stoking hatred against Fico.
